Best window pros near Swansboro, NC

Glass block windows aren’t fire hazards; fire-rated glass block windows can increase your home’s fire safety. Modern glass blocks are made with materials that can resist high temperatures and prevent fire spread. Most offer a 45-minute fire rating, while some increase it to two hours. Compared to the typical 20 to 90 minute rating for a double-pane window, glass block can increase your home’s safety in the event of a fire.

Replacement windows normally don’t come with new sills, as the sill is part of the window frame that the replacement window fits inside. If you’re replacing windows, it’s a good idea to replace the sill, as well, especially since the sill will be fully exposed and easily accessible for replacement.

Use a high-quality caulk with silicone around your windows, as it’s waterproof and shrink-proof. Or, you can use a caulk consisting of polyurethane or acrylic if you want to be able to paint over it. Caulk made from silicone is not paintable. Avoid using inexpensive caulk that has a resin or oil base. These caulks will not last long and may shrink and pull away from the window as temperatures go up and down.

To tell if a window is single or double-pane, focus on the edge. Double-pane windows have two glass layers separated by a spacer, which you can usually see around the edges. For single-pane windows, it’s just one sheet of glass. Another easy trick: shine a light at the window—single-pane glass reflects once, while double-pane glass reflects twice. Lastly, if you feel both sides of the glass on a cold day, double-paned windows will feel warmer because of the insulating gap between the panes.